Introduction
John Foster Brings New Life to “Rainbow Connection” on American Idol’s Disney Night
On May 12, 2025, during the Top 5 performances of American Idol’s Disney Night, John Foster offered a moving and stripped-down version of the iconic song “Rainbow Connection.” Originally made famous by Kermit the Frog in the 1979 film The Muppet Movie, Foster’s heartfelt interpretation brought a quiet magic to the stage that left both judges and viewers deeply touched.
Written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, “Rainbow Connection” has long been a song filled with wonder and gentle wisdom. First performed by Jim Henson as Kermit, the tune was inspired by the hopeful spirit of “When You Wish Upon a Star.” With its soft melody and simple yet profound lyrics, the song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 52nd Academy Awards and was later inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2020 for its cultural impact. Over the years, countless artists—from Willie Nelson to The Carpenters—have revisited it, keeping its legacy alive.
Foster’s performance stood out because of its sincerity. Mentored by Lin-Manuel Miranda for the evening, he chose to approach the song not as a polished showcase, but as a quiet conversation with the audience. Seated alone with just an acoustic guitar, he let the lyrics do the storytelling. His delicate fingerpicking and calm delivery made space for the words to breathe, giving the performance an intimacy that felt deeply personal.
Instead of mimicking the versions that came before, Foster infused each line with genuine emotion, allowing the song’s timeless message to feel fresh again. The vulnerability in his voice—especially during the opening question, “Why are there so many songs about rainbows, and what’s on the other side?”—tapped into something universal. Dreams, longing, and the search for meaning all seemed to hang in the air as he played.
The judges responded warmly. Lionel Richie praised the unique tone of Foster’s voice, calling it “recognizable and authentically yours.” Carrie Underwood, struck by his evolution throughout the season, described him as a “diamond in the rough” and cautioned, “If you’re not careful, you might just win the whole thing.”
What made this moment so powerful wasn’t a grand production—it was the quiet belief behind each note. Foster reminded everyone watching that sometimes the most memorable performances are the ones that whisper instead of shout.
Have you ever heard a version of a song that made you see it in a new light? Did Foster’s performance bring up memories or dreams of your own? Let us know in the comments below. Sometimes, a simple song can help us find our own “rainbow connection.”